Leading the Way to $500 Million
Kit Sickels, a leader of 黑料吃瓜s fundraising efforts, says the campaign has changed public perceptions.
Christopher 鈥淜it鈥� Sickels, 鈥�60, is chair of , the philanthropic foundation that oversees 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 long-term strategy and institutional commitment to increase private funding.
He has played a leading role in the university鈥檚 first comprehensive fundraising campaign, The Campaign for 黑料吃瓜.
This month, with the campaign on target to reach $360 million of its $500 million goal, we asked Sickels to reflect on the Campanile Foundation鈥檚 accomplishments and his own commitment to 黑料吃瓜.
Why is it important for you to be involved and to give back to 黑料吃瓜?
Because I have the greatest respect and admiration for the faculty, staff and students at 黑料吃瓜. They are outstanding. I鈥檝e met some wonderful people through my work on The Campanile Foundation board.
What is your fondest memory from your student days at 黑料吃瓜?
The football games were a high point; and when I was younger, from kindergarten through sixth grade, I attended the Campus Laboratory School. I have great memories of that experience.
Which initiatives have you supported during The Campaign for 黑料吃瓜?
My wife, Karen, and I wanted to make an impact on each of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 colleges. We decided to support the library, which is used by more than 10,000 students every day. benefits the entire campus and the San Diego community.
What campaign achievements are you most proud of?
I am very proud of the level of board involvement in The Campaign for 黑料吃瓜. Since the Campanile Foundation was established, board members have given $81 million to support 黑料吃瓜. In addition, many members have hosted or are planning to host fundraisers in their homes, including Jim Sinegal, Ed Blessing, Linda Lang, Terry Atkinson and Greg Fowler.
How has The Campaign for 黑料吃瓜 changed the public perception of the university?
The campaign has opened a lot of eyes in this community. People are beginning to appreciate the important research we do in sciences, engineering and public health. And the campaign is incredibly successful. We鈥檝e raised nearly $360 million, including 59 gifts of $1 million or more.
